Net Farm Income Higher in 2022 & Senator Calls for AM Radio

**Farmers and ranchers from California met with members of Congress recently, as part of a California Farm Bureau advocacy delegation in Washington, D.C.

The delegation urged lawmakers to approve increased federal investments in California’s aging water infrastructure to support agriculture, increase water reliability for cities and protect the environment during drought years.

Conversations centered on potential funding mechanisms, such as enacting a new Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.

**Net farm income for U.S. farmers is forecast at $160.5 billion in 2022, a $19.5 billion jump over last year.

The December Farm Sector Income and Finances report shows NET CASH farm income forecast to be up $29 billion, BUT farm sector debt will increase by $27.8 billion.

Working capital, the amount of available cash to fund operating expenses, will rise 4.7%, but that’s down 1.4% when adjusted for inflation.

**Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Markey sent letters to 20 car manufacturers requesting they maintain AM radio in their vehicles, including Electric Vehicles.

Markey says consumers still value AM radio and stressed FREE broadcast radio is a critical and reliable channel for local, state, and federal government to communicate.

Markey says, despite things like smartphones and social media, broadcast radio remains the most dependable and accessible communication mechanism for public emergencies.